WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - Monmouth University Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Marilyn McNeil, after consulting with the University’s Trustees, has announced that men’s lacrosse is being projected as the school’s 21st NCAA Division I sport with regular season competition starting in Spring 2014.

“We are very excited about the opportunity of adding men’s lacrosse to our varsity sport offerings,” said McNeil. “Men’s Lacrosse has seen a 28.5% growth spurt in the NCAA, with high school growth pegged at 175% over the past 10 years. The Northeast Conference sponsors men’s lacrosse and I know it is a ‘hot sport’ for the Shore. We look forward to meeting the needs of our students, as they have shown their interest with a very competitive club program. We think the lacrosse athletes, their fans, the community and the student body will really enjoy and support this sport.”

Six current teams compete in the Northeast Conference: inaugural champion Mount St. Mary’s, along with Bryant, Quinnipiac, Robert Morris, Sacred Heart and Wagner.

The NEC, which named men’s lacrosse its 23rd sport of sponsorship in 2011, will host its second-ever men’s lacrosse championship on May 4 and 6, 2012, at the site of the highest seed.

A national search will commence to find Monmouth’s inaugural coach who would expect to be at the University nearly a full year before the inaugural season.